E – HYDRAULICS

Clickable list
(Use the hierarchical list under "Bookmarks" to access individual tables and/or sub-topics)

Nomenclature E-1
Pump outputs E-2
Optimum bit hydraulics E-3
Nozzle sizes & flow areas E-4
Hole cleaning E-5
Slip velocities E-6
Miscellaneous equations (1) E-7
Miscellaneous equations (2) E-8

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003 E–i

 NOMENCLATURE

The following are the symbols and units used in this Section, except where otherwise
noted : Units
Field SI
An = total area of bit nozzles inches2 mm2
C = coefficient of QN in equation for ∆Ps - -
Dh = diameter of hole inches mm
Dp = diameter of drillpipe inches mm
D1 = small diameter inches mm
D2 = large diameter inches mm
D = inside diameter (conduit or pump liner) inches mm
dc = chip diameter or greatest dimension inches mm
HHPt = total hydraulic horsepower hp kW
HHPs = hydraulic horsepower expended in system hp kW
HHPb = hydraulic horsepower expended at bit hp kW
IF = jet impact force lbs N
J = nozzle size (e.g. 12, 14 etc.) J/ " mm
32
L = length of conduit ft m
or length of pump stroke inches mm
N = exponent of Q in equation giving ∆Ps - -
P1 = surface pressure losses psi kPa
∆P = pressure drop psi kPa
∆Pt = total pressure drop psi kPa
(or pump discharge pressure)
∆Ps = pressure drop in system psi kPa
∆Pb = pressure drop across bit nozzles psi kPa
PV = plastic viscosity cp cp
Q = flow rate galls/min dm3/min
Rn = Reynold's number - -
Va = annular velocity ft/min m/min
Vp = velocity of fluid inside circular pipe ft/min m/min
Vs = slip velocity ft/min m/min
Vc = critical velocity ft/min m/min
Vn = jet velocity ft/sec m/sec
YP = yield point lbs/100ft2 lbs/100ft2
µ = effective viscosity cp cp
ρdf = pressure gradient of drilling fluid psi/ft kPa/m
ρc = pressure gradient of cuttings psi/ft kPa/m
(usually sg = 2.51)

Note: nozzle sizes are given as numbers (e.g. 12,14, etc.) meaning
in fact 12/32", 14/32", x/32", etc.

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003 E–1

 PUMP OUTPUTS

Double Acting Duplex Pump

gal/min = 0.00679 x
bbl/min = 0.000162 x
L x (2D2 - d2) x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency
ft3/min = 0.000909 x
L/min = 0.0257 x

Single Acting Triplex Pump

gal/min = 0.01020 x
bbl/min = 0.000243 x
L x D2 x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency
ft3/min = 0.001364 x
L/min = 0.0386 x

All of the above equations are valid when the pump sizes are specified in inches, as is
normally the case even on rigs where SI units are standard.

When dimensions are quoted in millimetres the applicable equations to obtain the
output in SI units are :

Double Acting Duplex Pump

L/min = 1.568 x 10-6 x L x (2D2 - d2) x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency

Single Acting Triplex Pump

L/min = 2.355 x 10-6 x L x D2 x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency

Note :
In pump calculations a “stroke” actually means one rotation of the pump crank. Thus a
triplex pump for example will deliver three piston pumping actions per stroke.

E–2 SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003

 OPTIMUM BIT HYDRAULICS

Two approaches can be used - either to optimise the bit hydraulic horsepower, which
will occur when ∆Pb is approximately equal to 2/3 ∆Pt , or to optimise the jet impact
force, which will occur when ∆Pb is approximately equal to 1/2 ∆Pt. Nozzles can then be
chosen to achieve the required result.
Note that the relationships quoted above are approximate and are presented to give a
feeling for the order of magnitude of the values required. For a more accurate estimate
of the required Pb the properties of the drilling fluid need to be taken into account - in
this case the parameters C and N in the equation ∆Ps = C.QN. The procedure below
shows how to determine these, and how to apply them to calculate the optimum nozzle
sizes corresponding to each approach.
Note also, however, that the optimisation of bit hydraulics is often compromised by
other hydraulic requirements such as hole cleaning requirements and the pressure
drops / flowrate restrictions associated with certain pieces of downhole equipment.
In the approximations given above N has been taken as 2 for simplicity; however until a
better value has been determined, as follows, it is recommended to use 1.82 in
calculations.
Prior to pulling out of hole to change bit, determine the following:

1. Total Pressure Drop (∆Pt)

Observe ∆Pt for two or three different pump outputs (Q), preferably close to the rate
used when drilling.

2. N & C values
a) Find the bit pressure drop (∆Pb) for different values of Q
Field units SI units
ρdf x Q2 15.7 x ρdf x Q2
∆Pb = ∆Pb =
564 x An2 An2
b) Find the system pressure drop (∆Ps) for different values of Q
∆Ps = ∆Pt - ∆Pb
∆Ps1
Log
∆Ps2 ∆Ps1 ∆Ps2
N= and C = =
Q Q1N Q2N
Log 1
Q2
∆Ps = C.QN

3. Nozzle area (An) for optimum use of available power

a) Pt (max) should be known
b) Find system pressure drop (∆Ps)

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003 E–3

 Pt
To optimise Bit Hydraulic Horsepower - ∆Ps =
N+1
2Pt
To optimise Jet Impact Force - ∆Ps =
N+2

(∆P
1/N
c) Find pump output to give ∆Ps
C )
- Qopt = s

d) Find available bit pressure drop - ∆Pb = Pt - ∆Ps

so,
Field units SI units
Qopt ρdf ρdf
An = An = 3.962.Qopt
23.75 ∆Pb ∆Pb

Nozzle sizes and flow areas

Nozzle Nozzle Flow area Flow area Flow area

size number of 1 nozzle of 2 nozzles of 3 nozzles
In mm Inch2 mm2 inch2 mm2 inch2 mm2
7/32 5.5 7 0.0376 24.3 0.0752 48.5 0.1127 72.7
1/4 6.4 8 0.0491 31.7 0.0982 63.4 0.1473 95.0
9/32 7.1 9 0.0621 40.1 0.1242 80.1 0.1864 120.2
5/16 7.9 10 0.0767 49.5 0.1534 99.0 0.2301 148.4
11/32 8.7 11 0.0928 59.9 0.1856 119.7 0.2784 179.6
3/8 9.5 12 0.1104 71.2 0.2209 142.5 0.3313 213.7
13/32 10.2 13 0.1296 83.6 0.2592 167.2 0.3889 250.9
7/16 11.1 14 0.1503 97.0 0.3007 194.0 0.4510 291.0
15/32 11.9 15 0.1726 111.4 0.3451 222.6 0.5177 334.0
1/2 12.7 16 0.1963 126.6 0.3927 253.4 0.5890 380.0
9/16 14.3 18 0.2485 160.3 0.4970 320.6 0.7455 481.0
5/8 15.9 20 0.3068 197.9 0.6136 395.9 0.9204 593.8
11/16 17.5 22 0.3712 239.5 0.7424 479.0 1.1137 718.5
3/4 19.0 24 0.4418 285.0 0.8836 570.1 1.3254 855.2
7/8 22.3 28 0.6013 287.9 1.2026 775.9 1.8040 1163.9

E–4 SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003

 HOLE CLEANING

Insufficient hole cleaning is a common cause of stuck pipe especially in deviated wells.
Good hole cleaning depends on the properties of the drilling fluid, the flow rate of the
drilling fluid and the procedures used. The ABC of Stuck Pipe, Supplement 2, Hole
Cleaning (EP94-1908) is a useful reference on this subject.
Remember ;
• Holes between 30 and 60 degrees inclination are the hardest to clean due to the
formation of unstable solids beds on the low side of the hole. These unstable beds
can “avalanche” down the hole.
• At greater than 60 degrees inclination stable beds form which are very difficult to
remove without some mechanical action. Pipe rotation is ideal for this even when
only slow rotation is possible.
• If no other guide to the minimum annular velocity is available, then a rule of thumb
is to try to maintain a minimum of 45 m/minute. The best guide to hole cleaning is
what you see on the weight indicator and shakers.
• Balanced combination pills are very effective for sweeping the hole. A low viscosity
low density pill is followed by a high viscosity high density (ca 2 kPa/m over the
existing fluid gradient) pill. Pumping must be continuous while the pills are in the
hole. Make sure the low density pill does not underbalance the well at any stage
(eg when opposite the BHA).
• If possible rotate and reciprocate the string while circulating clean. The reciproca-
tion stroke should be greater than the length of a single to avoid building ridges on
the low side of the hole.
• Solids beds move up the hole far slower than the fluid velocity in the middle of the
largest part of the annular space, perhaps 3 to 5 times slower. This means that
extra circulating time is needed when cleaning the hole.
• Initial overpull when tripping should be limited to 10 to 15 kdaN (no rotation or circu-
lation) if a hole cleaning problem is suspected. If this limit is reached more hole
cleaning should be considered prior to pullingout of hole.
• Good drag charts are essential for spotting problems early.
A set of equations are presented on the next page that can be used to estimate the slip
velocity of cuttings under different circumstances. It is recommended that slip velocity
should be less than half the annular velocity (averaged across the cross-section).

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003 E–5

 SLIP VELOCITIES

Turbulent flow - spherical chips

dc(ρc - ρdf) Where K = 9.41 for SI units and 156 for field units
Vs = K
ρdf
Turbulent flow - flat chips
dc(ρc - ρdf) Where K = 3.66 for SI units and 60.6 for field units
Vs = K
ρdf
Laminar flow - spherical chips
Kdc2(ρc - ρdf) Where K = 75.0 for SI units and 160,000 for field units
Vs =
µ (see below for the value of µ)
Laminar flow - flat chips
Kdc2(ρc - ρdf) Where K = 29.1 for SI units and 62,100 for field units
Vs =
µ (see below for the value of µ)

The value of µ in the laminar flow equations is given by :

K.YP(Dh - Dp) Where K = 4.79 for SI units and 399 for field units
µ = PV +
Va

E–6 SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003

 MISCELLANEOUS EQUATIONS (1)

Pump output to give annular velocity

(D 2 - Dp2) Where K = 1,270 for SI units and 24.5 for field units
Q = Va h
K
Fluid velocity inside pipe
Where K = 1,270 for SI units and 24.5 for field units
Vp = KQ
D2
Fluid velocity in annulus
KQ Where K = 1,270 for SI units and 24.5 for field units
Va =
(D22 - D12)
Critical velocity inside pipe (RN = 2,000)
K1(PV + PV2 + (K2 x D2 x YP x ρdf))
Vc =
ρdf x D
Where K1 = 588 for SI units and 3.36 for field units
and K2 = 0.0163 for SI units and 238 for field units
Critical velocity in annulus (RN = 2,000)
K1(PV + PV2 + (K2 x (D2 - D1)2 x YP x ρdf))
Vc =
ρdf x (D2 - D1)
Where K1 = 588 for SI units and 3.36 for field units
and K2 = 0.0122 for SI units and 179 for field units
Compare Vc with Va or Vp for each section of the annulus, drill string and surface
equipment, thus determining whether flow is laminar or turbulent.
Pressure losses in system (Equations are those used for Hydraulic Slide Rules)
Turbulent flow in a circular pipe :
K x Q1.82 x ρdf0.82 x PV0.18 x L
∆P =
D4.82
Where K = 794 for SI units and 8.65 x 10-4 for field units
Turbulent flow in an annulus :
K x Q1.82 x ρdf0.82 x PV0.18 x L
∆P =
(D2 - D1)3 x (D2 + D1)1.82
Where K = 794 for SI units and 8.65 x 10-4 for field units
Laminar flow in a circular pipe :
L.YP L.PV.Vp Where K1 = 0.392 for SI units and 225 for field units
∆P = +
K1.D K2.D2 and K2 = 1.88 for SI units and 90,000 for field units
Laminar flow in an annulus :
L.YP + L.PV.Va Where K1 & K2 are as for the previous
∆P =
K1(D2 - D1) K2(D2 - D1)2 equation
Repeat for all sections of annulus, drill string and surface equipment

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003 E–7

 MISCELLANEOUS EQUATIONS (2)

Bit pressure drop available

∆Pb = ∆Pt - ∆Ps or HHPb = HHPt - HHPs
where HHPt is the input horsepower x the mechanical efficiency of the pump

HHP = ∆P x Q Where K = 60,000 for SI units and 1,714 for field units
K Note: ∆Pt could be limited (2,000-2,500 kPa/3,000-3,500 psi)
Nozzle area to produce ∆Pb
ρdf Where K = 3.96 for SI units and 0.0421 for field units
An = K.Q
∆Pb
K2.Q2.ρdf
therefore : ∆Pb =
An2
Jet velocity
Where K = 16.7 for SI units and 0.32 for field units
Vn = K.Q
An
Jet impact force
K.Q2.ρdf Where K = 0.0283 for SI units and 0.0032 for field units
IF =
An

Surface connection losses (P1)

P1 = Eρ0.8Q1.8(PV)0.2
where E is a constant depending on the type of surface equipment and units used

Surface Value of E
equipment
type Field units SI units
1 2.7 x 10-3 1.4 x 10-4
2 1.0 x 10-3 5.3 x 10-5
3 5.6 x 10-4 2.9 x 10-5
4 4.5 x 10-4 2.3 x 10-5

Surface Standpipe Rotary hose Swivel Kelly

equipment Length ID Length ID Length ID Length ID
type ft m ins mm ft m ins mm ft m ins mm ft m ins mm
1 40 12.19 3.0 76.2 45 13.72 2.0 50.8 4 1.22 2.0 50.8 40 12.19 2.25 57.2
2 40 12.19 3.5 88.9 55 16.76 2.5 63.5 5 1.52 2.5 63.5 40 12.19 3.25 82.6
3 45 13.72 4.0 101.6 55 16.76 3.0 76.2 5 1.52 2.5 63.5 40 12.19 3.25 82.6
4 45 13.72 4.0 101.6 55 16.76 3.0 76.2 6 1.83 3.0 76.2 40 12.19 4.00 101.6

E–8 SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 4, May 2003